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Infectious mononucleosis

Last reviewed: 3 Nov 2024
Last updated: 16 Nov 2021

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • fever
  • pharyngitis
  • cervical or generalized lymphadenopathy
  • malaise
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • splenomegaly
  • rash
  • signs of hepatitis (hepatomegaly, jaundice)
  • jaundice
  • myalgia
Full details

Risk factors

  • kissing
  • sexual behavior
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • CBC
  • heterophile antibodies
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-specific antibodies
  • LFTs
Full details

Tests to consider

  • real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
  • ultrasonography of abdomen
  • CT of abdomen
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

all patients

Contributors

Authors

George Turabelidze, MD, PhD

Medical Epidemiologist

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Clinical Pediatrics

Washington University School of Medicine

St Louis

MO

Disclosures

GT declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Linda Kalilani, MBBS, MPhil, PhD

Epidemiologist

College of Medicine

University of Malawi

Zomba

Malawi

Disclosures

LK declares that she has no competing interests.

Paul G. Auwaerter, MD, MBA, FACP, FIDSA

Clinical Director

Division of Infectious Diseases

Associate Professor of Medicine

Divisions of Infectious Diseases and General Internal Medicine

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Baltimore

MD

Disclosures

PGA declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Differentials

    • Group A streptococcal pharyngitis
    • Hepatitis A
    • Acute HIV infection
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  • Patient information

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